You’ll work and feel better when you have a comfortable place to sit all day
By Nancy Mattia, CTW Features
If you’ve been working long hours in your home office, and you’re still sitting on a folding chair or another type of inadequate seating, consider investing in a chair that will be kind to your back and legs, adjustable, and attractive. Keep the following tips in mind when you go shopping:
1. Don’t base your purchase solely on what’s on sale or the most stylish.
The best chair for you might not be the one with the lowest price or trendiest style but the one that’s ergonomic and doesn’t make your back ache from sitting in it for much of the day. Do your research so you know what features are most important to you.
2. Make sure the chair is adjustable.
For the most comfort, you’ll want to be able to adjust the chair to your height. A one-height-fits-all model may put your body in awkward positions that eventually cause a neck ache. The seat shouldn’t be too low or too high as you look at your computer monitor or type on the keyboard. The chair that’s customized to your specifics will help you sit erect and maintain good posture.
3. Choose a style.
Think beyond the generic corporate chair and consider your new seating a part of your home- office design. If the room has a contemporary feel, look for a chair with sleek and simple lines. If your room has more of a traditional look, a button and tufted style will work. Also, choose high-back (supports the head, neck, shoulders, lower and upper back) or low-back (suitable for those with low-back problems). Next, choose a material for the seat and backrest: Do you prefer leather, faux leather, or fabric? And then there’s the color: a neutral like black or, if appropriate for the setting and vibe, a color with personality like red, teal, or butter yellow?
4. Check out the arm-rest situation.
This is a big deal. Less-expensive office chairs often have no place to rest your arms, which will likely lead to slumping. Arms support the upper torso and reduce strain/tension on the shoulder and neck areas when you’re working at your desk.
5. Test-drive a few chairs.
Even if you intend to buy online, test out a few chairs in a brick-and-mortar store first. Some manufacturers claim their chairs are “slouch-proof,” but you won’t know if that’s true for you until you sit on them yourself. Roll around and see how your whole body feels. If the chair isn’t comfortable, move on to another model.